COUNCIL tax will go up by almost five per cent in Trafford and Stockport over the coming year, while the Manchester rise will be 2.7 per cent.

COUNCIL tax will go up by almost five per cent in Trafford and Stockport over the coming year, while the Manchester rise will be 2.7 per cent.

All three authorities met this week to finalise their budgets for the 2007/08 financial year.

Stockport's Liberal Democrat-run council announced tax will increase by 4.75 per cent and Trafford's Conservative-run council by 4.9 per cent.

Manchester's Labour-run council maintained its manifesto pledge for the eighth year running, pegging the rise in council tax to the rate of inflation. The figures do not include the police and fire brigade precepts.

In Trafford, the extra money will be used to increase investment in highways, services for vulnerable people and crime-fighting initiatives.

The council's revenue budget will be £142m.

Labour intended to put forward an alternative budget at the meeting on Thursday evening, claiming the Tories had squandered money on bureaucracy and by creating unnecessary senior posts.

Stockport Council held its budget meeting on Monday. Members agreed to recommend a revenue budget of £192m and to a £79m three-year capital programme. A final decision was being made on Thursday.

Manchester is once again set to have the lowest council tax rise in Greater Manchester.

Eight out of the 10 local authorities in the area already have higher council tax but Trafford Conservatives argue Manchester receives more support from central government and a wider range of grants.

Manchester's total revenue budget for next year will be £432,168,000.

In Trafford, occupiers of band D homes will pay £1,150.71 in council tax in 2007/08, including the police and fire precepts.

In Stockport they will pay £1,375.92 for Stockport Band D and in Manchester £1,234.53.